is it possible to add new columns to an existing MSDE table using
Access? If not what is the best practices modify a table schema without
loosing data?

Micheal,

You can register this msde server to another sql server's enterprise
manager. Or, you could use osql at the command prompt, then do an ALTER
TABLE and add the columns you need.

Cheers,

Vikram Jayaram
Microsoft, SQL Server

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